Art Island: Perspectives from a Creative Community

Why the Fuck Make Art, Anyway?

  • Why do challenges breed even more creative resilience?

  • How does a community cultivate cultural riches?

  • When do individual visions combine to affect us all?

The Art Island documentary series that I created with Zsofin Sheehy has just released a new episode. This latest addition, created during the challenging times of the pandemic, offers a fresh perspective on the creative process and resilience of artists and interrogates the question… “Why the fuck make art, anyways?”.

Who are the individuals that comprise the vibrant artistic community of Hornby Island? This 10-episode docu-series looks into the personal lives and artistic perspectives of local artists — our community members. Expanding on how they became artists, what inspires their art, challenges they've encountered, and how they persevered, Art Island is a deep dive into why artists feel art is important and how it has the power to affect us all.

The Genesis of Creativity

In our first episode, we meet Alina Milek, a flower farmer turned jeweler. Her story isn't just about crafting stunning pieces; it's a tale of metamorphosis. Through Alina, we witness how art transcends boundaries, becoming a medium of transformation. Each piece of jewelry is not just an ornament; it's a chapter of her journey, a testament to the power of reinvention.

Sculpting Life: Tom Burrows' Legacy

Episode two introduces us to Tom Burrows, a sculptor whose hands have shaped more than clay. His work spans over five decades, each sculpture a frozen echo of time and emotion. Tom's story is a reminder that art isn't just about the present moment; it's a dialogue with history, a dance with time.

The Ink of Identity: Moragh Eilish

In the third chapter, we delve into the world of Moragh Eilish, a mixed media artist who weaves stories through her tattoos. Her art is a testament to the intimate bond between artist and canvas, where each tattoo becomes a shared narrative, a permanent imprint of a fleeting moment.

Nature's Palette: Exploring the Unseen

As we journey further, we encounter artists who draw inspiration from the untouched corners of nature. Their art is a dialogue with the earth, a celebration of its untamed beauty. These stories remind us that art is not just a human creation; it's a collaboration with the natural world.

The Community Canvas

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of "Art Island" is its portrayal of community. Hornby Island isn't just a backdrop; it's a character in this narrative. The series explores how a community can become a canvas, where each individual's creativity contributes to a larger masterpiece.

Why We Create

Throughout the series, one question echoes: 'Why the Fuck We Make Art, Anyway?' Each artist offers a piece of the answer, weaving a tapestry of motivations. For some, art is a refuge; for others, a loudspeaker. It's a quest for meaning, a search for identity, a way to connect with others, and a method to challenge the status quo.

Conclusion: A Call to Reflection

"Art Island" is an invitation to reflect on the role of art in our lives, to question, to connect, and to create. As we draw this journey to a close, I leave you with a question: How does art shape your world?

hugs and highfives

Kris Krüg
MØTLEYKRÜG Media Inc.

(778) 898-3076
[email protected]

CREDITS
Director & Cinematographer - Zsofin Sheehy
Assistant Director - Kris Krüg
Associate Producer - Emma Walter
Location Sound - Liam Wheatley
Sound Mix & Design - Nick Kold
Colour - Bogdan Mykytenko
Title Animation - Grigorii Kniagnitskii

[Music]

Ardie Son
Bryan Rahija
Brendan Kinsella
Sebastian Kauderer
CoastLands

ART ISLAND was created on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land.

Funding for this episode of ART ISLAND is provided by the Canada Council for the Arts, BC Arts Council, and the Province of British Columbia.

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